Despite being in the offing for months now, India’s decision to shut out Chinese telecom firms from the upcoming 5G trials has caused consternation in Beijing.
Chinese embassy counsellor Wang Xiaojian expressed regret at India’s decision, even warning that it will hinder “the improvement of the Indian business environment.”
Expressing China’s concern and regret at MeitY decision to keep Chinese firms like Huawei out of the upcoming next generation 5G trials by Indian telecom operators, the embassy spokesperson added, “Relevant Chinese companies have been operating in India for years, providing mass job opportunities and making contribution to India's infrastructure construction in telecommunications. To exclude Chinese telecommunications companies from the trials will… harm their legitimate rights and interests.”
Saying that it was not conducive to the innovation and development of related Indian industries, the Chinese spokesperson added, “The Chinese side hopes that India could do more to enhance mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries, and provide an open, fair, just, and non-discriminatory investment and business environment for market entities from all countries, including China, to operate and invest in India.”
India has been cracking down on Chinese business interests in India ever since the Ladakh clashes in June last year, banning several Chinese apps, reducing import orders and limiting investments by Chinese firms in the country.
In 5G particularly, there have been long running concerns over data security from Chinese telecom equipment manufacturers that is not limited to India alone. Some western powers like the US and the UK have also placed restrictions on the involvement of Chinese majors like Huawei in their 5G infrastructure and operation.
